Close to 3,000 children took to the books this summer as part of Merton library service’s Summer Reading Challenge, making 2008 the most successful year for the challenge to date.

2, 826 children rushed into Merton libraries to sign themselves up for the challenge of reading six or more books during their summer break, up 15 % from last year. Out of those that participated, 1, 247 were boys – up 11 per cent from last year – and 1, 279 children successfully completed the challenge – up 12 per cent from last year.

Councillor Maurice Groves, Cabinet Member for Community Services, says: “The whole idea of our Summer Reading Challenge is to get more children into libraries and reading books. It encourages children to develop a love of reading so they can reap the benefits that reading brings later in life.

“This year’s increased numbers show the challenge is proving successful in encouraging children to try reading as a leisure activity and I’d like to congratulate all who took part this year.”

Every challenge has a winner and this year’s lucky champion is an eight year old from Morden. Amindu Madigasekara will take home a brand new Nintendo Wii after successfully reading six books this summer and being entered into a grand draw. Mayor of Merton Councillor Martin Whelton will present Amindu with his Nintendo Wii at a prize giving ceremony with Councillor Maurice Groves on Monday 29 September at Morden Library.

Holy Trinity School in Wimbledon also scooped a prize for being the school with the highest percentage of pupils taking part in the challenge.

– End –